Leading People

Encourages creative tension and differences of opinions through the development of a culture of inclusiveness, respect and civility. Anticipates and takes steps to prevent potential situations that could result in unpleasant and counter productive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.

Importance

Failure to recognize, resolve and/or manage disagreements that have the potential to grow into confrontations undermines the culture and performance of a team or organization. It is critical to learn from disagreements by understanding and analyzing the source of the dispute. It is also important to work strategically to establish organizational cultures and procedures that value the basic rules of civility and mitigate against disagreements while encouraging the positive dimensions of divergent thinking. Introducing creative conflict to situations also has the ability to bring about innovation and more robust results to problem solving.

How do Chiefs of Interpretation demonstrate this competency?

Demonstrates self understanding, emotional control and empathy when dealing with conflict.

Demonstrates skills in active listening and encourages open discussion and debate.

Assists others to seek common ground and to identify the cause of the problem.

Gives voice to the conflict and uses it in a positive way to foster a culture of inclusion.

Demonstrates a personal knowledge of conflict management practices and resources and effectively utilizes that knowledge and skill where appropriate.

Analyzes and identifies personal, structural and/or other sources of potential conflict within the team or organization and develops a proactive plan that anticipates change or action.

Doesn’t shut down conflict too soon, but knows the tipping point where it becomes less constructive.

Engages with conflict as needed to move staff and processes to a higher level.

Definition

Inspires, motivates and guides others through the collaborative process toward achieving identified goals. Delegates and defines decision-making authority and responsibility within the team and sustains the collaborative process through good team and performance management. Encourages and facilitates cooperation within the organization and with stakeholders, fostering commitment, team spirit, pride and trust.

Importance

Team-based approaches to work (formal and informal groups, work groups, committees, etc.) can be powerfully effective as building blocks for organizational performance. A high-performing team that emphasizes collaboratively working together to achieve common goals develops synergy, thereby increasing its effectiveness as a force for productivity, quality and cost reduction. Teams have greater total resources, greater diversity of resources, and diversity of thought (values, backgrounds, and beliefs) contributing to improved problem solving and to higher productivity. Collaboration among group members helps to “socialize” new members, facilitate organizational performance, build leadership skills, and inspire innovation while providing benefits for their members. Teams help their members learn about the Agency and themselves as they acquire new skills and performance strategies, and can also serve important personal needs for affiliation and esteem.

How do Chiefs of Interpretation demonstrate this competency?

Builds the problem solving ability of the team members and the team itself through coaching, mentoring and training.

Communicates the organization’s mission and goals with insight and enthusiasm.

Facilitates internal group dynamics and ensures that all voices are heard and respected.

Establishes and enforces standards of behavior which promote inclusion and participation.

Provide guidance and direction within the group to clarify members’ roles and responsibilities while defining parameters of authority and available resources.

Helps group to establish appropriate metrics and objective criteria to accomplish assigned task and ensures that work is accomplished within established timetables.

Instills a sense of opportunity and possibility in accomplishment of team goals.

Collaborates with relevant groups to gain information about external conditions that might impact the work of the team; and change course when needed.

Models acceptable team behavior.

Communicates and promotes successful team efforts throughout the organization.